Water flow control apparatus and method of use

ABSTRACT

Described herein is a water flow control device and system for monitoring and controlling the flow of water within a structure when installed inline with a plumbing system. The water flow control device and system including a valve assembly and metering assembly coupled to a controller to monitor and detect a flow of water through the device, wherein the metering assembly is configured to detect a flow and generate a signal to close the valve upon a predetermined condition. The device and system is further configured for remote connection through an application on a personal electronic device through a remote controller.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This U.S. patent application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/772,336 filed Nov. 28, 2018, the disclosure of which is considered part of the disclosure of this application and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM

Not Applicable

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to an apparatus configured to monitor water flow within a plumbing system. More particularly, the device of the present disclosure is related to a water flow control apparatus configured to alert a user to a potential leak within a closed plumbing system.

BACKGROUND

A typical plumbing system is generally a selectively closed system, wherein water from within the system is released on demand for various plumbing needs. Within a building structure, over time, this plumbing system and related plumbing infrastructure tends to wear, corrode, and fail resulting in leaks and potential property damage.

To combat these resultant leaks and potential property damage, one solution is to manually shut off the water at the main line entry into the structure when the plumbing system is not in use. Although this may be an effective solution, it is time consuming and not practical as an “every day” solution, as some appliances draw water from the system on-demand, such as an ice maker or water heater. Yet another solution is the installation of water meter for monitoring and tracking by a user. This solution, although also generally helpful, is time consuming requires frequent monitoring and tracking to ensure the system remains leak free. Therefore, there exists a need within the marketplace for a device that functions as both water monitoring and water flow control apparatus to monitor and prevent damage from plumbing leaks.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The device of the present disclosure is most generally configured to monitor the flow of water in a plumbing system within a structure. More particularly, the device of the present disclosure is configured as an adjustable valve to allow a user to set a flow of a predetermined amount water before triggering a closing of the valve. The device includes a plurality of electronic components configured to allow for customization of settings and associated metering of the flow within the device, powering the device, and communicating with companion applications hosted on associated electronic devices.

Accordingly, the device is configured for installation onto an existing waterline within a structure generally adjacent to the mainline into the structure for monitoring the water flow within the structure. Preferably, the device is provided with threaded connection ends to enable easy installation with traditional plumbing tools and generally configured to monitor a flow of water through the device.

The working components of the device are generally comprised of both a valve assembly and a metering assembly with the metering assembly in a communicative coupling with the valve assembly via a controller. The metering assembly configured to detect and measure a flow of fluid across the valve, wherein this detected flow is utilized by the controller to operate a valve of the valve assembly through selective opening and closing of the valve. The metering assembly and controller further configured to allow for adjustment of the flow based upon the detected and measured and flow, wherein a user can set a predetermined amount of flow as a limit to prevent an additional flow of fluid through the valve.

The device further including communicative hardware, such as, but not limited to, an antenna, a WLAN port, a receiver, and other similar hardware items to enable wireless communication with additional personal electronic devices. Accordingly, the communicative hardware is configured for communication across various wireless protocols, including, but not limited to, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, wherein a user may utilize an application hosted on a personal electronic device for communication, including remote communication, monitoring, and control of the device.

Through use of the device, a user may set a predetermined amount of volume detected by the metering assembly upon a flow though the valve prior to a closing of the valve. Accordingly, after a flow is stopped, the metering assembly and associated controller is reset for a new volume measurement through the valve upon the resumption of flow. If the set water flow limit is reached, the device valve is closed.

The invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are intended to be read in conjunction with both this summary, the detailed description and any preferred and/or particular embodiments specifically discussed or otherwise disclosed. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of illustration only and so that this disclosure will be thorough, complete and will fully convey the full scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the device, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a top side view of the device, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a bottom side view of the device, according to the present disclosure; and

FIG. 4 is a wire frame diagram of the systems of the device, according to the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description includes references to the accompanying drawings, which forms a part of the detailed description. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments, which are also referred to herein as “examples,” are described in enough detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. The embodiments may be combined, other embodiments may be utilized, or structural, and logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

Before the present invention of this disclosure is described in such detail, however, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to particular variations set forth and may, of course, vary. Various changes may be made to the invention described and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation, material, composition of matter, process, process act(s) or step(s), to the objective(s), spirit or scope of the present invention. All such modifications are intended to be within the scope of the disclosure made herein.

Unless otherwise indicated, the words and phrases presented in this document have their ordinary meanings to one of skill in the art. Such ordinary meanings can be obtained by reference to their use in the art and by reference to general and scientific dictionaries.

References in the specification to “one embodiment” indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.

The following explanations of certain terms are meant to be illustrative rather than exhaustive. These terms have their ordinary meanings given by usage in the art and in addition include the following explanations.

As used herein, the term “and/or” refers to any one of the items, any combination of the items, or all of the items with which this term is associated.

As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

As used herein, the terms “include,” “for example,” “such as,” and the like are used illustratively and are not intended to limit the present invention.

As used herein, the terms “preferred” and “preferably” refer to embodiments of the invention that may afford certain benefits, under certain circumstances. However, other embodiments may also be preferred, under the same or other circumstances.

Furthermore, the recitation of one or more preferred embodiments does not imply that other embodiments are not useful and is not intended to exclude other embodiments from the scope of the invention.

As used herein, the terms “front,” “back,” “rear,” “upper,” “lower,” “right,” and “left” in this description are merely used to identify the various elements as they are oriented in the FIGS, with “front,” “back,” and “rear” being relative to the apparatus. These terms are not meant to limit the elements that they describe, as the various elements may be oriented differently in various applications.

As used herein, the term “coupled” means the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being attached to one another. Such joining may be permanent in nature or alternatively may be removable or releasable in nature. Similarly, coupled can refer to a two member or elements being in communicatively coupled, wherein the two elements may be electronically, through various means, such as a metallic wire, wireless network, optical fiber, or other medium and methods.

It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and, similarly, a second element could be termed a first element without departing from the teachings of the disclosure.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-4 of the water flow control apparatus and method for use according to the present disclosure and generally referred to as device 10. The device 10 is configured to monitor the flow of water in a plumbing system within a structure, most commonly a residential structure having a standard plumbing system from a municipal water source. More particularly, the device 10 of the present disclosure is configured as an adjustable valve to allow a user to set a flow of a predetermined amount water before triggering a closing of the valve. The device 10 includes a plurality of electronic, mechanical, and electro-mechanical components configured to allow for customization of settings and associated metering of the flow within the device 10, powering the device through coupling with a power source 108, and communicating with companion applications hosted on associated electronic devices.

Accordingly, the device 10 is configured for installation onto an existing waterline within a structure generally adjacent to the mainline into the structure for monitoring the water flow within the structure. For installation the device 10 has a first end 101 and a second end 102 configured for adhering to the mainline. The first end 101 preferably being a threaded connection for a secure coupling with the existing plumbing apparatus and functioning as the outlet of the flow from the device 10. The second end 102 preferably being a threaded connection for a secure coupling with the existing plumbing apparatus and functioning as the inlet for the fluid into the device 10.

The device 10 includes a housing 100 for enclosing the plurality of electronic components, a value assembly 200, a metering assembly 300, and a controller 400. The housing 100 further providing a protective assembly for the various buttons configured for operating the device, the buttons including, but not limited to, an open button 103, a closing button 104, a pair of buttons to adjust in the form of an increase button 105 and a decrease button 106, and a display 107.

The working components of the device are generally comprised of both the valve assembly 200 and the metering assembly 300 with the metering assembly 300 in a communicative coupling with the valve assembly 200 via the controller 400. The metering assembly 300 configured to detect and measure a flow of fluid across a valve of the valve assembly 200 and generate a signal upon a predetermined condition, wherein this detected flow is utilized by the controller 400 to operate the valve of the valve assembly 200 through selective opening and closing of the valve upon receipt of the signal from the metering assembly 300. The metering assembly 300, valve assembly 200, and controller 400 further configured to allow for adjustment of the flow based upon the detected and measured flow, wherein a user can set a predetermined amount of flow as the predetermined condition to limit and prevent an additional flow of fluid through the valve and valve assembly 200. The adjustment of the amount of flow through the valve and valve assembly 200 can be accomplished through the use of the plurality of buttons positioned on the housing 100 of the device 10 and coupled to the controller 400. The buttons including, but not limited to, an open button 103 configured to open the valve of the valve assembly 200, a close button 104 to close the valve of the valve assembly 200, an increase button 105 to increase the amount of predetermined flow across the valve of the valve assembly 200, and a decrease button 106 to decrease the amount of predetermined flow across the valve of the valve assembly 200.

Alternately, the plurality of buttons 103-106 may be replaced through a coupling with a remote controller 500 as an application on a remote device, including any suitable electronic communication device and/or workstations, such as, for example, personal computers, laptop computers, netbook computers, mobile devices, cell phones, smart phones, tablet devices, and wearable wireless devices or the like.

The device 10 controller 400 and remote controller 500 enabled for a communicative coupling to transfer and receive data using for example internet communication streams, such as an HTTP/HTTPS stream over WI-FI, or other protocol stream such as SMTP or SMS, or other wireless protocols, such as, Bluetooth. For wired communication through the plurality of streams the device 10 may be coupled directly to a network through the use of a WLAN port 109. For wireless communication through the plurality of streams the device 10 may be coupled to a network wirelessly though the use of an antenna 110 capable of transmitting and receiving a signal for a communicative coupling with the remote controller 500. The remote controller 500 enabling remote control of the device 10, wherein the device 10 and features can be monitored and controlled and communicated with.

Through use of the device 10, a user may set a predetermined amount of volume detected by the metering assembly 300 upon a flow though the valve prior to a closing of the valve by the valve assembly 200. Accordingly, after a flow is stopped, the metering assembly 300 and controller 400 is reset for a new volume measurement through the valve upon the resumption of flow. If the set water flow limit through the valve assembly 200 is detected by the metering assembly 300, the valve of the valve assembly 200 is closed and flow is stopped.

Alternately, the device 10 metering assembly 300 and associated control 400 of the valve assembly 200 can be bypassed by a user through operation of the open button 103, wherein the valve of the valve assembly 200 is held in the open position. Alternately, the device 10 metering assembly 300 and associated control 400 of the valve assembly 200 can be bypassed by a user through operation of the close button 104, wherein the valve of the valve assembly 200 is held in the closed position.

The device 10 may display various functions and measurements of the device 10 on the display 107. Accordingly, the display 107 allows a user of the device 10 to cycle through a variety of menus and settings to enable set up of the device 10 according to the user's preferences. Alternate to the display 107, a user may utilize a remote device though the remote controller 500 to enable set up of the device 10 and cycle through a variety of menus enabling set up of the device 10. In the preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the device 10 may be coupled to multiple remote devices 501 utilizing a dedicated application that enables communication with the various device 10 settings, uses, and monitoring.

The device 10 metering assembly 300 may utilize a mechanical assembly coupled to the controller 400 in the form of a wheel in fluid communication with the valve assembly 200 and fluid to accurately measure the flow within the device 10. Further the device 10 may include an external valve positioned at an exterior of the housing and functioning as a check-valve to prevent backflow within the device 10 metering assembly 300 and valve assembly 200.

While the invention has been described above in terms of specific embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to these disclosed embodiments. Upon reading the teachings of this disclosure many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to mind of those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains, and which are intended to be and are covered by both this disclosure and the appended claims. It is indeed intended that the scope of the invention should be determined by proper interpretation and construction of the appended claims and their legal equivalents, as understood by those of skill in the art relying upon the disclosure in this specification and the attached drawings. 

1. A water flow control device and system for installation into a plumbing system for monitoring and controlling the water flow within the plumbing system, the device and system comprising: a valve assembly configured to open and close to allow and restrict the water flow across a valve of the valve assembly; a metering assembly coupled to the valve assembly, the metering assembly configured to detect the water flow across the valve and generate a signal upon a predetermined condition; and a controller coupled to the valve assembly and the metering assembly, the controller configured to receive and monitor the signal from the metering assembly and upon the detected predetermined condition and close or open the valve.
 2. A water flow control device and system of claim 1, the device and system further comprising: a remote controller, the remote controller configured for a remote coupling with the controller, wherein the controller can be operated from a location remote to the device via the remote controller.
 3. A water flow control device and system of claim 2, wherein the remote controller and controller coupling is wireless.
 4. A water flow control device and system of claim 3, wherein the remote controller and controller are coupled via Bluetooth.
 5. A water flow control device and system of claim 3, wherein the remote controller and controller are coupled via an application hosted on an electronic device.
 6. A water flow control device and system for installation into a plumbing system for monitoring and controlling the water flow within the plumbing system, the device and system comprising: a housing, the housing having a first end and a second end, the first end configured for coupling to the plumbing system as an outlet from the housing, the second end configured for coupling to the plumbing system as an inlet into the housing to receive the water flow; a valve assembly within the housing and receiving the water flow, the valve assembly having a valve configured to open and close to allow and restrict the water flow across the valve of the valve assembly; a metering assembly within the housing coupled to the valve assembly, the metering assembly configured to detect the water flow across the valve and generate a signal upon a predetermined condition; and a controller coupled to the valve assembly and the metering assembly, the controller configured to receive and monitor the signal from the metering assembly and upon the detected predetermined condition and close or open the valve.
 7. A water flow control device and system of claim 6, the device and system further comprising: a remote controller, the remote controller configured for a remote coupling with the controller, wherein the controller can be operated from a location remote to the device via the remote controller.
 8. A water flow control device and system of claim 7, wherein the remote controller and controller coupling is wireless.
 9. A water flow control device and system of claim 8, wherein the remote controller and controller are coupled via Bluetooth.
 10. A water flow control device and system of claim 7, wherein the remote controller and controller are coupled via an application hosted on an electronic device.
 11. A water flow control device and system of claim 7, wherein the housing comprises: a WLAN port, the WLAN port coupled to the controller and remote controller to enable interaction with the device; a display; and a plurality of buttons configured for coupling to the controller, the valve assembly, and the metering assembly, the plurality of buttons selected to control features of the device.
 12. A water flow control device and system of claim 11, wherein plurality of buttons consist of at least one button selected from the group of: an open button; a close button; an increase button; and a decrease button.
 13. A water flow control device and system of claim 6, wherein the first end and the second end are threaded and configured for installation onto a correspondingly threaded connection for forming a watertight connection.
 14. A water flow control device and system for installation into a plumbing system for monitoring and controlling the water flow within the plumbing system, the device and system comprising: a housing, the housing having a first end and a second end, the first end configured for coupling to the plumbing system as an outlet from the housing, the second end configured for coupling to the plumbing system as an inlet into the housing to receive the water flow; a valve assembly within the housing and receiving the water flow, the valve assembly having a valve configured to open and close to allow and restrict the water flow across the valve of the valve assembly; a metering assembly within the housing coupled to the valve assembly, the metering assembly configured to detect the water flow across the valve and generate a signal upon a predetermined condition; a controller coupled to the valve assembly and the metering assembly, the controller configured to receive and monitor the signal from the metering assembly and upon the detected predetermined condition and close or open the valve; and a remote controller, the remote controller configured for a remote coupling with the controller, wherein the controller can be operated from a location remote to the device via the remote controller.
 15. A water flow control device and system of claim 14, wherein the remote controller and controller coupling is wireless.
 16. A water flow control device and system of claim 14, wherein the remote controller and controller are coupled via Bluetooth.
 17. A water flow control device and system of claim 14, wherein the remote controller and controller are coupled via an application hosted on an electronic device.
 18. A water flow control device and system of claim 14, wherein the housing comprises: a WLAN port, the WLAN port coupled to the controller and remote controller to enable interaction with the device; a display; and a plurality of buttons configured for coupling to the controller, the valve assembly, and the metering assembly, the plurality of buttons selected to control features of the device.
 19. A water flow control device and system of claim 18, wherein plurality of buttons consist of at least one button selected from the group of: an open button; a close button; an increase button; and a decrease button.
 20. A water flow control device and system of claim 14, wherein the first end and the second end are threaded and configured for installation onto a correspondingly threaded connection for forming a watertight connection. 